Care & Cleaning

You have questions, we have answers

• When should I replace my DivaCup?

  As the DivaCup is a personal hygiene product, we recommend that you inspect your cup regularly for signs of deterioration such as a sticky or powdery film, severe discoloration or odor, etc. If you detect any of these signs, or if you experience irritation, we recommend you replace your DivaCup with a new one.

  Depending on factors such as vaginal pH, how well and often the cup is cleaned, what cleansing agents are used, etc., the lifespan may vary. Our general guideline is to replace it once a year, but ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide when it is necessary to replace the cup. 
  
  Our Care and Cleaning instructions can provide you with some helpful tips for caring for your DivaCup.

• How much blood does it hold?

  Our DivaCup Model 1 holds one full ounce of menstrual flow (30 ml) and Model 2 holds just over one ounce (32 ml). DivaCup Model 0 holds just over half an ounce (20 ml) of flow. For comparison, the average regular sized tampon holds about 5 ml of menstrual flow.

  The measurement lines on your DivaCup help you keep track of your flow and report details to a healthcare provider if needed.

• How long can I wear my DivaCup?

  The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 consecutive hours, depending on your flow. It should be emptied, washed and rinsed a minimum of two to three times per 24-hour period.

• Is it messy?

  Using the DivaCup does require you to get a little more up close and personal with your flow, but it is clean and comfortable to use. Be sure to wash your hands well before inserting and removing, as well as after you’re finished reinserting.

• What if I can’t get it out?

  It can take some time to get the hang of insertion and removal. However, the vaginal canal is an elastic, muscular tube only about four (4) – five (5) inches (10.2 – 12.7 cm) long – there is nowhere for the DivaCup to get “lost” inside you, as the vagina does not connect to other parts of the body.

  When inserted correctly, the DivaCup should sit low at the base of the canal, away from the cervix, making it possible for you to reach the stem and grip the base to remove it. Making sure you keep your muscles relaxed for removal is key!

  Watch a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist walk you through removal here.

• How do I clean my DivaCup in a public washroom?

  When in a public washroom, some consumers are not comfortable washing their DivaCup in the sink out in the open. If this is the case, wash your hands thoroughly before entering the stall, empty the contents of your DivaCup into the toilet and simply use a dry or damp tissue to clean the cup. At the next convenient time, clean as per the User Guide instructions.

  Always wash your DivaCup using potable water that is safe to drink, including when traveling or camping.

• I bought a new DivaCup. How do I dispose of my old one?

  To dispose of your DivaCup, thoroughly wash the cup, cut it up into smaller pieces, and dispose in the trash. Most regions do not have convenient access to silicone recycling facilities. However, silicone starts out as sand and degrades over time, depending on the temperature, anaerobic activity and moisture in the landfill, which means that your DivaCup will eventually break down.